Search Here

Five-year-old Cruz was a joyful and healthy boy. To his family, he was "a beacon of love and light." But all of his parents' hopes and dreams for him were suddenly crushed when he went to sleep one night and never woke up.

According to The Sun, the young boy died in May, leaving his family at a total loss for words since there is no logical explanation for what happened to him during his sleep.

His aunt, Siobhan, shared that before the incident, Cruz was quite healthy. He even had no records of injury, illness, or warning signs of a possibly deadly health condition. He just died in his sleep last month.

"Our hearts shattered after the sudden and heartbreaking loss of my nephew, Cruz. At just five years old, Cruz was a beacon of love and light, a warrior who filled our lives with joy and laughter," she stated.

Devastated by what transpired, Siobhan set up a GoFundMe page to help Cruz's immediate family with the funeral costs. In the campaign, she revealed that doctors believe the boy died due to SUDC or Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood.

Considered the worst nightmare by parents, SUDC is the unexplained death of a child 12 months of age or older. It is usually very peculiar since even a thorough investigation, including a complete autopsy, would not be able to determine the real cause of death, as per the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

Aside from being unexplainable, SUDC is unpredictable and unpreventable. Latest statistics showed that at least 450 children between 1 and 18 years of age had suddenly died without a clear cause of death determined in 2021. Among the figures, 55% accounted for toddlers aged 1 to 4.

Research and awareness of SUDC is very limited. Experts do not even have a scientific understanding of what triggers it. Cruz's case is no different. His family has no clue what led to his sudden demise. Both parents, especially his father, are still processing the heartbreaking loss.

"My brother and sister-in-law are not only navigating the overwhelming pain of losing their boy, but they are also caring for their two other children while my brother has been unable to return back to work due to their loss," Siobhan explained in the GoFundMe page.

"In the midst of grief, we are also faced with the harsh reality of the financial burden that has come with giving Cruz the farewell he deserved. ... Every donation, no matter the size, will go a long way in helping ease the financial strain on my brother and his family during this incredibly difficult time. Your generosity will provide some comfort and relief to a family in mourning."

The target amount for the campaign is $15,000. As of press time, it has already raked in $8,346 from 167 donations.